We are Jill and Steve, and we have been in McGregor for 21 years. Jill is here most of the time but Steve still goes back and forth to our UK home in Northumberland to earn a crust and enjoy the cold and wet. We have three horses on site - Newton, Bolla, and Tundra.
Your accommodation is a self-contained apartment connecting to our part of the house. Whether you are a sole traveller or a group of four you have your space entirely to yourselves, with your own front door, 2 en suite bedrooms, kitchenette, study/dining room, a very large stoep, 10 x 2m pool, outside shower, courtyard and braai.
I'm Oslo and I live here too. I have to share the place with their three horses and a cat called Venetia. This is me when I was a puppy. Jill, Steve and I stay in what I call the East Wing. You stay in the West Wing. The horses live in the Wild West Wing.
Well........ airbnb classes us as "Superhosts", which means that we meet their very high standards on a range of criteria with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 from the many guests who have stayed with us. Here's what some recent guests have had to say about their Sizofika experience:
5* " Airbnb mentioned that Sizofika was a 'rare gem' and that it wasn't available very often so we jumped at the chance of staying there when it was available. And we definitely weren't disappointed. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and cozy and there is everything there you would need. Location is great - close walk to the main street - and it is lovely to sit on the porch and look out at the horses and listen to the birds etc. Jill is a great host - attentive to detail but not intrusive. As a family of four (plus dog) we had a lovely stay. And Oslo was a good (doggy) host too. Thanks Jill! "
Peter (Cape Town) July 2021
5* " What a great spot. The view of the horse paddock and the pool was unique to wake up to. And I loved the window next to the incredible bath! I highly reccommend staying here! Thank you for a beautiful, peaceful space to stay - I will definitely be coming back!”
Ross (Cape Town) May 2021
5* " What a find..... I was in need of a break and what better place than Sizofika, Jill and her animals were exactly what I needed. Her place is absolutely devine, I could have sat on that "stoep" for a month. so many wonderful touches, out door shower. It definitely ticked all my boxes. Lovely meeting Jill and all the animals,, they bring such great energy to the place."
Barbra (George, Western Cape) April 2021
5* "Jill’s place is lovely, we loved the outside area and pool. Rooms are massive and very comfortable. Highly recommend."
Mari (Cape Town) April 2021
5* " We had such a lovely stay here. It is very peaceful and the pool comes in good use on a hot day. The place is very spacious, the pictures don't do it justice! We absolutely loved the bath with the view. Thank you for opening your home to us. We really enjoyed our relaxing stay."
Kerryn (Cape Town) April 2021
5* " We absolutely loved staying at Sizofika - a peaceful getaway in the village of McGregor. Jill is a lovely host and very communicative and helpful. The amenities and facilities were top notch and my husband and I especially enjoyed the hard king size bed in the main bedroom. Our little dog Billie was very welcome. We enjoyed the stoep for relaxing and meals, the pool to cool off in the hot afternoons and waking up to the sound of horses. The kitchen is also fully equipped, lovely shower and fancy bath and there's even a little desk and chair to catch up on work emails with great wifi. We'll definitely be back!
Claire (Cape Town) April 2021
5* " Gorgeous place! Great location! Jill’s place is very comfortable especially with the deep covered stoep overlooking the lap pool & horse corral. It was in the 30s when we were there, so it was great to cool off in the pool! A lot of effort has been put into the look of the place and it is lovely & includes some great features like the outdoor shower. Located just off the Main Street, everything is in walking distance. As restaurants are limited, you will need to cook sometimes & it is a bit challenging in the limited kitchen "
Rob & Glen (Toronto, Canada) March 2021
5* "It's a really special comfortable place. Comfortable walking close to the Saturday market and restaurants. Lovely and peaceful garden and amazing swimming pool with relaxing under cover patio. It was great being back at Sizofika and seeing you again."
Paul & Jenny (Cape Town) March 2021
5* " Beautiful place! Horses were such a delight. Close to shops and restaurants. Will definitely be back. We absolutely loved our stay! Tranquil and beautiful! Thanks so much.”
Corine (West Coast DC) March 2021
5* " Jill's little piece of heaven is a must if you plan to spend time in McGregor. The covered patio and sparkling pool alone made our time here worth the drive. The location cannot be beat! Right in the center of town but tucked away and peaceful."
Mark and Friends (Durbanville) March 2021
5* " Loved the location, very spacious, very peaceful. Really clean and everything you need to enjoy your stay."
Alice and Cora (Cape Town) February 2021
5* "We had a lovely time relaxing by the pool, exploring town and wine tasting at Lord’s Wines. We felt like we were on a farm with all the animals!Thanks so much for a great stay!"
Jessica (Cape Town) (February 2021
5* "What a great place to stay, relaxing and peaceful. Thank You Jill. Xx"
Fouzia (Cape Town) February 2021
5* "Jill is an amazing host and very friendly. When we arrived she welcomed us and explained everything. The house is really clean and comfortable. Loved the outdoor shower and the heated pool! We will definitely be back!"
Helgard (Franschhoek) February 2021
5* "An oasis in central McGregor We loved our stay. The pool was a lifesaver!!! Your property is gorgeous. "
Sue (Cape Town) February 2021
5* "We had a wonderful stay at Sizofika - a beautiful space inside and out. An exceptional place to unwind and rest next to the pool, and watch the horses! Jill is a fantastic host and we can't wait to visit again. Thank you Jill! "
Jen (Cape Town) January/February 2021
(Not airbnb)"We had one of the best gateways to McGregor during the summer and it's all thanks to Sizofika! Jill was a great host and made us feel right at home as soon as we arrived. The house and room we stayed in was clean, tidy and well looked after and is situated in a quiet area that is just a short walking distance away from the local restaurants and art galleries. The highlight for us staying at Sizofika was the swimming pool... We spent most of the day there & at night time we would float in it while staring up at the stars. The house has everything you would need for a perfect self catering getaway! When visiting Mcgregor make sure you book your stay at Sizofika"
Nick & Kate (Cape Town) January 2021
5* “Such a lovely place, felt like we had come home. The heated pool was wonderful to dip into as well as sitting on the stoep watching the horses. Felt so relaxed after a couple of days. We will definitely be back. Thank you Jill 🧡”
Megan and daughter (Cape Town) January 2021
5* “We loved our long weekend get away. Great location and spotlessly clean. The stoep at the back is great to unwind and watch the horses. Bedrooms and bathrooms are a great size with quality linen and comfortable beds. Jill was an attentive and caring host. We’ll certainly be back!”
Mariette and Family (Cape Town) January 2021
5* "The perfect place to unwind and relax. We really enjoyed spending time on the stoep that looks out onto a beautiful garden and pool. Thanks Jill for your great hospitality! We’ll definitely be visiting again. "
Carli (Cape Town) January 2021
5*"Loved the space, the peace and the nature! You were a great host! Thanks so much!"
Winnette (Patensie South Africa) January 2021
"A wonderful stay spent in the pool and on the stoep overlooking the horses. Excellent value and hospitality"
Sue-Anne (Cape Town) December 2020
"My husband and I and another couple rented Sizofika for the weekend, 2 nights. It was perfect for two couples as we each had a large bedroom with our own bathroom, divided by common areas. The outside living space with pool and the nreaby horses and mountain view made it a quintessentially McGregor experience. The property is in a quiet side street but within easy walking distance of coffee shops and other facilities. We enjoyed cycling the gravel roads around McGregor, with cylces as long or as short as you like."
Deborah and Friends (Cape Town) December 2020
"Amazing location and host! Heated pool was brill. Not ideal for toddlers but we were aware of that when booking. Our 5 year old loved it. TV in lounge would have been a bonus. Walking distance to restaurants and bars, cute little town and close to all the vineyards in Robertson.
Thanks for your hospitality we loved McGregor and your Victoria and Albert Bath x”
Chris and Family (Pretoria) November 2020
"Sizofika is a stunning haven. It’s only about 50m from McGregor’s main road, making access to the town very easy. We spent most of our time lounging on the sun chairs by the pool, and enjoying the horses, cats, Oslo the dog, and all the birds that were flying by. We were sad to have to leave, but look forward to making our way back again. Thank you so much for a beautiful and relaxing stay. We had such a great time at your stunning apartment, and look forward to returning in the future. Thank you!"
Jeremy & Roxy (Cape Town) November 2020
"If you are looking for peace and quiet then look no further! Jill is a great host and shared all the local information and hidden treasures with us. The space is beautiful and we spent much of our time lounging outside enjoying the beautiful gardens and watching the birds and horses. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Sizofika. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful space with us. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend away!"
Tamaryn and family (Cape Town) October 2020
"Jill was a wonderful host. She was easily available before and during our trip. Sizofika is homely and neat and tidy with lovely attention to detail and little flowers to welcome us. I felt safe and happy to be there as a single parent with my small children. The horses, cat and dog are a welcome distraction for young children, as is the pool, but only if your children are swimming and animal safe (so wouldn’t be relaxing for the toddler age group!) The house is open plan, leading out onto a lovely large outside area, so probably not ideal for the dead cold of winter, but certainly for all other seasons. I enjoyed the outside hot shower looking at the garden, mountains and horses. We loved our stay in McGregor and will definitely be back. Thanks Jill for a wonderful stay. My children loved it, especially all the animals, and I felt safe and homely."
Kate and family (Cape Town) September 2020
"Thank you so much for this exquisite treat in McGregor. Loved the style, quiet, peace and beauty."
Hugh and Erna (Cape Town) September 2020
"We really enjoyed our 5 day stay in Sizofika. Better than the photos and everything we needed including excellent WiFi. Walking distance to lovely restaurants and the delights of McGregor. Jill (and Steve) were always on hand to arrange the booking, check in and for any queries during our stay. A perfect base to explore this super part of South Africa. Highly recommended!”
Joe and Brenda (Dublin) February 2020
"Perfect getaway from the city.Clean, spacious with everything my family and I needed. Would recommend to anyone needing a peaceful break."
Yusuf and Family (Cape Town) February 2020
"We had such a lovely stay at Jill’s house. It was beautiful inside and out and our kids had a lot of fun in the pool (with arm bands and rubber rings - it’s deep). Jill gave the children a tour of the horses. We enjoyed relaxing in the shady veranda with a beautiful view of the garden, horses and landscape. Would recommend and would stay again."
Katharine and Family (Denmark) February 2020
“Great setting! Very relaxing and nice to sit in the shade outside, because it was very hot. Location perfect... Close to main Street, but a very quiet little town, so no noise.”
Deb & Family (Canada) January 2020
We aim to offer you a peaceful stay in well-appointed and very comfortable and spacious surroundings. We will be nearby if you need anything or want information, but are committed to giving you your own space and privacy.
You have your own front door; two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom - the master bedroom is air-conditioned and the second has a ceiling fan; the second bedroom can be set up as a double or a twin-bedded room. The kitchenette will appeal to those who don't like a long walk from the fridge to the cooker..............you know what I'm getting at there, don't you? There is a kettle, toaster, fridge, electric frying pan, a small convection oven with two hot plates, and of course a kettle braai outside. You have a study/dining room for those winter nights in, and lots of covered space by the long, thin lap pool for those hot summer days. There is a sheltered courtyard with an outside shower especially useful after swimming.
Your sheets and duvet covers are of high quality, and towels and kitchen equipment is provided for you.
Check-in is from 2 pm on the day of arrival, and check out is by 10am on the day of departure, please. We ask that you do your best to observe the check-out time; like those people who swoop on your aeroplane as soon as you land so they can clean the cabin, our squad of highly-trained cleaning artists are waiting to pounce so that they can get Sizofika ready in the four short hours before the next guests arrive.
We hope you will enjoy the gentle presence of the horses; there is some to-ing and fro-ing when they are being groomed, exercised and fed but we try to reduce any interference with your privacy to a minimum. If you want to help us to muck out - just let us know.
If you have any questions about Sizofika or McGregor before deciding whether to book, please just email us on sizofika@gmail.com. If you want to book before anyone else beats you to your preferred dates, you can "Instant Book" on airbnb.
Most of these events take place each year. We add this year's dates as soon as we have them - BUT, of course. the Covid 19 pandemic has wrought havoc with everyone's planning.
BIG NEWS!! THE RUN 2 NOWHERE AND THE RIDE 2 NOWHERE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SAME WEEKEND - 11 AND 12 SEPTEMBER 2021. THE VILLAGE WILL BE PACKED OUT - SO BOOK EARLY!!
EVEN BIGGER NEWS (AT LEAST FOR US!): WE ARE NOW BOOKED FOR THIS WEEKEND - but there are lots of good places in the villlage so keep looking and snap up somewhere before they too book up. It will be a great weekend.
The RUN2Nowhere
Trail runners' bliss! A series of events for dedicated runners and even some not-so-dedicated ones. The village will be putting on its usual array of events in support of the participants - if we can catch them.
The RIDE2Nowhere
Love lycra? There is a shedload of it in McGregor every September as cyclists from all over the world come to the village for two days of competiton trail riding and the hospitality for which McGregor is known. The band plays, the foodies cook up a storm, and the village has a wonderful vibe.
Hands on Harvest
Get involved in the wine-making process as wineries in the Valley put on special events to show how their wonderful wines are created, giving families an unique opportunity to experience the magic of harvest .
http://www.handsonharvest.com/index.php/component/content/featured
Robertson Wedding Fair
Why not stay in McGregor and then swoop into Robertson to plan your wedding in the area with this opportunity to compare potential venues for your big day?
Bring the whole family – there will be a wide range of exhibitors to make sure everyone has fun to plan your nuptials. The programme boasts:
Brides and Groom section | Fashion Shows | Bubbly & Wine Tasting and Sales | Pre and Post wedding events and activities | Kiddies section | Ted Talks
Naughty but Nice corner| Cake tasting |Live Music| Beer tasting| Vintage cars | Stationery | Photo & Videography | Shuttle services to local venues | Décor so - all you could possibly want to check out! Need more information? Go to:
info@robertsonweddingfair.co.za
McGregor Arts Festival
Come and enjoy the best that McGregor has to offer in the way of music, dance, film, and art. Bring friends! There will be lots going on over the whole weekend. Keep an eye out for the programme which will be published soon.
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary Book Fair
Thousands of books will change hands during this weekend as lovers of all genres come to find texts old and new. Support a good cause and enjoy all that the village has to offer whilst indulging your love of the written word.
https://www.donkeysanctuary.co.za/how-you-can-help/regular-events
Wacky Wine Weekend
Over 40 wineries in the Robertson Wine Valley open their doors to all and sundry with special tastings, food and, in some cases, music during this very popular festival, now in its 15th year. Needless to say McGregor's own excellent wineries - Lord's, Tanagra, Bemind, and the McGregor Winery itself - will be knee-deep in the vibe!
http://www.wackywineweekend.com/
Robertson Slow Food and Wine Weekend
The title says it all, really! Savour the best of the culinary and viticulture talents of the valley with a variety of venues and events for your enjoyment. Make a weekend of it!
https://www.robertsonslow.com/
Poetry in McGregor - 19-21 November 2021 (Sizofika is NOW BOOKED!)
This festival has grown exponentially in scale and significance in the few years since it started. Each year's event just gets better and better - poets from South Africa and beyond present their work in lots of venues throughout the village, with fringe events and the usual dose of McGregor fun and hospitality alongside the creativity of the contributors.
http://mcgregorpoetryfestival.co.za/
McGregor Open Gardens Weekend
Wander the village with a purpose on this special weekend when private homes open their gardens to the public, offering refreshments and chat about their floral pride and joy. With fortunate timing, spring colours will abound!
Wine on the River
Another annual event in which over 30 wineries in the Breede River Wine Valley put on special Spring events to display their prize-winning wines and spectacular food. You can even go on a Wine Safari! Make a weekend of it and see what's on offer.
For you? Maybe!! Ask!
Weekends are often very busy given our proximity to Cape Town, but Monday-Thursday tends to be quieter and our prices are a bit lower then.
If you are interested in a longer stay - over 5 days - then we will work out a price just for you.
Email us on sizofika@gmail.com or check availability first on airbnb.
MUSIC, MAESTRO - MUSIC!
From a standing start at the end of 2018, Steve Van and Meg van Schaik have created a wonderful music venue "At the Courtyard" just around the corner from Sizofika. Their contacts in the music scene have brought a wide range of performers to their small, intimate venue, including PJ Powers, Guy Buttery and Brandon Lee Hunt. The artistes seem to love playing there, and the audiences are lapping it up. Ticket prices usually include a meal (vegetarian option always available), and there are singers' nights and local talent nights occasionally too. At the Courtyard is a stellar addition to the life of the village, popular with locals and visitors alike. Always best to book to ensure a seat at the tables.
https://www.facebook.com/atthecourtyard
MinM (Made in McGregor) is a new food outlet in the village concentrating on organically produced fruit, vegetables, bread, eggs, milk, meat and a range of speciality groceries, all with a local flavour and origin. Open every day except Wednesday. As with virtually everything in McGregor, it's just round the corner from Sizofika!
Is Sizofika as wonderful as people say?
Yes.
Is McGregor a little gem of a village on the Road to Nowhere?
Yes
Do your horses bite?
Only when they are eating. If you don't offer yourself as food, you will be fine.
Can I ride them?
Afraid not!
Is the kitchen fully equipped?
Well, "fully" would be a bit of an exaggeration, maybe. It's bijou, if you know what we mean. But it has a small convection oven, an electric frying pan and a 2 ring hob, toaster, kettle and fridge. Plus the inevitable outside braai (barbecue, for Northern Hemisphere types) which is VERY well used! And remember - you don't need to cook gourmet meals at home with so many good restaurants in the village.
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